SCENIC°
13 Days | South of France
Southbound

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CHALON-SUR-SAONE TO TARASCON (NICE)

Day 1 | Chalon-sur-Saône, France. Your friendly crew await to welcome you aboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship for your journey through France’s iconic south. (Arrival transfers included from Lyon airport or Chalon-sur-Saône train station). Welcome reception. (D)

Day 2 | Chalon-sur-Saône. Tournus. Burgundy Region. FreeChoice — This morning explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune, before choosing a wine tasting at Burgundy’s historic Marché aux Vins Cellars, or sampling mustard at one of the region’s renowned mustard factories. Alternatively, visit Château de Savigny-les-Beaune to see the impressive collection of motorcycles, race cars, and fighter planes. (B,L,D)

Day 3 | Tournus. Mâcon. Truffle Tasting. Experience the magnificent Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Savour French truffles in nearby villages before returning to Tournus, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Saône River to Mâcon. And if you’re more adventurous at heart, enjoy a guided cycle from Tournus to Mâcon. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Mâcon. Beaujolais Wine Region. You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region renowned for its five wine appellations and gastronomy. Take the opportunity to treat your tastebuds to the renowned Bresse Chicken at the regional corner of Crystal Dining. 
FreeChoice — Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or treat yourself to a wine tasting in the Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, a village built around the great Benedictine Abbey. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Lyon. Paul Bocuse Culinary School. Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France! 
FreeChoice — Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways that date back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica, offering a fabulous vantage point for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths of yesteryear in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or, if you wish, visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare.
 Lyon’s Botanical Gardens and Zoo are perfect for a leisurely bike ride this afternoon. As an option, consider an after-dinner stroll into town. As there is no overnight sailing, your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked right in the heart of town, which means you’ll be free to explore to your heart’s content. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Tournon. Sundowners at Tournon Castle. Experience the charm of yesteryear aboard an historic steam train. Cross picturesque terrain, travel through stone tunnels and over forested mountains perched high above valley streams. On your return to Tournon you can end the perfect day with a tour of the town.
 Sundowners
 — Overlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see for visitors, both for its historic interest and its breathtaking outlook. Enjoy an afternoon cocktail on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians. You’ll find it a great soundtrack to a truly awe-inspiring backdrop. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Tournon. Viviers. Chocolates and Wine. FreeChoice — Enjoy a different kind of wine tasting in the spectacular wine cave within Tournon Castle, or take advantage of a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage, which includes an organised tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône and delight in the neighbouring villages.
In the afternoon simply relax on board and enjoy your cruise to Viviers. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Viviers. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ardèche National Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers, and experience an organ recital in the town’s cathedral.
 FreeChoice — Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re in an adventurous mood, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan. (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Avignon. Côtes du Rhône. Today explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy sampling the local wine at a charming Côtes du Rhône vineyard on your included tour. Take in the impressive panorama as you cruise by the Pont d’Avignon for your arrival to the famous city of Avignon. Then enjoy a walking tour that includes a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Pope’s Palace. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Avignon. Enrich Dinner at Popes Palace. FreeChoice — Drop in to the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sourge, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Alternatively, ‘Shop with a Chef’ at a local food market and treat yourself to some of the unique tastes of the region.
 Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon. 
Enrich — 
Be treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon, among the most visited sites in France. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll be invited for an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert within this grandiose palace. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | La Camargue. La Camargue National Park. Today discover the spectacular La Camargue National Park.
 FreeChoice — Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, or if you’re an avid bird watcher visit the 60 hectare Parc Ornithologique. You can also enjoy a visit to the Petite Camargue and the village of Aigues-Mortes.
 If you wish, relax on the sun deck, or take in a live music performance by a gypsy band from the Camargue region while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. (B,L,D)

Day 12 | Tarascon. Villages of Provence. The town of Tarascon exudes a distinctly medieval character and is dominated by its impressive riverside castle. 
FreeChoice— Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the hilltop village of Les Baux. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held, or delight in the Tastes of Provence on your visit to an olive and lavender farm. (B,L,D)

Day 13 | Tarascon. Disembark. All good things end eventually so after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to your departing airport. (Please book flights to depart after 1pm). (FB)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 13 DAYS | CHALON-SUR-SAONE TO TARASCON (Nice)